New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
Drink this May wine to welcome in the spring and renew your sense of youth and vigor. Substitute sparkling white grape juice or apple cider for the white wine to make a nonalcoholic version. Ingredients: 7 to 10 sprigs fresh woodruff, flowers removed One piece of string, about 8 inches long 1 bottle white wine (preferably a young wine, from the previous year's vintage) 2 tablespoons honey (optional) 1 16-ounce bottle club soda (optional) Extra woodruff sprigs or leaves (for optional garnish) Several fresh strawberries (for optional garnish) One small orange, thinly sliced (for optional garnish Begin by tying the stems of the woodruff together with the length of string, ...
Wiccan-style Witchcraft conjures up all sorts of different images in the minds of today's magickal community. Many individuals picture coven practice in the light of the full moon, perhaps with everyone in attendance wearing robes. There are many who think Wicca is a belief system full of rules and limitations, dictating the beliefs, deities, and magickal practices of its practitioners. However, today's Wicca is a vibrant tradition that can be celebrated in a variety of ways and practiced every day. When people ask me what my Wiccan practice is about, I often answer with the word "connection," because Wicca connects me to the things that matter most in my life. What we choose to connect ...
Everywhere you look, there's another news article about how popular Witchcraft is right now. I don't really see a problem with that. Frankly, I think the more people that get in touch with the world around them and their personal power, the better. People thinking for themselves and exploring new ideas is truly wonderful. But glancing around the Internet, from fashion spreads to carefully curated photos on Instagram and Tumblr, you might be misled to believe that Witchcraft is found through "the stuff." That you have to have a collection of crystals, skulls, esoteric symbols, fancy candles, elaborate tools, expensive grimoires, and maybe a fabulous manicure at your disposal. There's ...
Since the ancient Egyptians first pioneered wicked candles around 3000 BC by rolling papyrus and dipping it in beeswax or tallow to burn, the use of controlled flame has enchanted humankind. From Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, that dates to 165 BC, to our current religious practices, candles have provided a point of spiritual focus and celebration. In the 1970s, candle shops emerged onto the American landscape as a result of the hippie movement. Eventually, they evolved into the metaphysical or "Witchy" shops we now know and love. Now, nearly every Pagan shop includes a candle section of prepared delights for our little pyromaniacal, magical souls to enjoy. The various ...
